Back to school: Is your dorm fire-safe?

Posted Tuesday, September 4, 2007

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Consumer Reports provides these tips which can help prevent dorm fires or accidents:

Check out the room

• Older buildings may not have upgraded wiring, so ask your resident adviser or landlord before you start plugging everything in and potentially overload circuits.

• If your room doesn't have a smoke alarm, install one. Don't cover or disable it, or borrow its batteries for other electronics.

• Take all fire alarms and drills seriously. Memorize the number of doors to the two nearest exits.

• Check outlets periodically. If they become hot to the touch, unplug appliances and notify your resident adviser or landlord.

Buy the right gear

• Use Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-listed electrical appliances and lighting. They've been tested to meet safety standards.

• Look for appliances with auto shutoff features so that they aren't accidentally left on all day.

• Use a power strip with an overcurrent protector. It automatically shuts off power when too much current is being drawn.

Play it safe

• If cooking is allowed, use fireproof potholders and mitts.

• Never walk away while something is cooking.

• Use only one appliance (microwave, etc.) per outlet.

• Don't use a brown paper bag to pop popcorn in the microwave. The bag could catch fire.

• Keep curtains and linens away from hot surfaces and open flames such as candles.

• Don't put extension cords under doors or rugs or connect multiple cords together.

• Don't empty ashtrays or put matches directly in the garbage. Run contents under water first.

• Don't hang anything from fire sprinkler systems.